CASSEROLE ESSENTIALS: SPICY CHICKEN & BEEF W/ RICE

Casserole Essentials: Spicy Chicken & Beef w/ Rice image

Came up with this recipe in the wee hours of the morning. I was going for a hardy dish that will fill you up; while sticking to things most folks would find in their pantries, fridges, and freezers. So, you ready... Let's get into the kitchen.

Provided by Andy Anderson !

Time 50m

Number Of Ingredients 28

Ingredients

PLAN/PURCHASE
THE BASE
2 - 3 slice bacon, diced
1 medium yellow onion, diced
2 clove garlic, minced
1 c rice, uncooked
DRY SEASONINGS
1 Tbsp taco or italian seasoning, your choice
2 tsp ancho chili powder
1 tsp ground cumin
1/2 tsp white pepper, freshly ground, or to taste
ADDITIONAL ITEMS
1 1/2 c vegetable stock, not broth
15 oz diced tomatoes, 1 can, with juice
4 oz mild diced green chilies, 1 small can, drained
10 oz cooked, shredded beef
6 oz cooked, shredded chicken
1 1/2 c cheddar cheese, freshly shredded
1/2 c monterey jack cheese, freshly shredded
2 Tbsp lime juice, freshly squeezed
salt, kosher variety, fine grind, to taste
OPTIONAL ADD INS
sliced black olives, cooked in the dish, and for topping
beans (cooked) such as black or red
OPTIONAL GARNISH ITEMS
fresh tomato, diced
cilantro, freshly chopped
sour cream

Steps:

1. PREP/PREPARE
2. To make this recipe, you will need a good size skillet, or pot with a lid.
3. Taco/Italian Seasonings There are a lot of good taco seasonings out there; they come in mild, medium, hot, and fiery. If you have a favorite, please use it. And, the same is true of Italian seasonings. Here are two of my favorites: https://www.justapinch.com/recipes/sauce-spread/seasoning-mix/spicy-beef-taco-seasoning.html?r=10 https://www.justapinch.com/recipes/sauce-spread/seasoning-mix/italian-essentials-aunt-josephine-s-seasoning-mix.html?r=2
4. Rice The choice of rice is up to you. For example, brown rice is more nutritious than white; however, it will get mushy if reheated, so I usually stick to long-grain white rice for things like casseroles. For this recipe I am using arborio rice.
5. The Beef and Chicken My reasoning for using shredded beef and chicken is because that is something I had on hand. You could leave out the chicken and/or use ground beef, cut into bite-size cubes; maybe pork?
6. How 'Bout Some Cheese Please I just love the combination of a sharp cheddar combined with the kick of some Monterey Jack, but have some fun with it, and choose what you have on hand. Freshly grated, if at all possible.
7. Gather your ingredients (mise en place).
8. Add the chopped bacon to a skillet over medium heat.
9. Cook until the bacon has rendered its fat, and begins to crisp, about 5 - 7 minutes.
10. Remove with a slotted spoon and reserve.
11. Add the onions to the pan with the bacon grease, and cook until softened, about 3 - 5 minutes.
12. If your bacon was really lean, you might need to add a bit of oil to pan.
13. Add the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 60 seconds.
14. Toss in the rice and stir for 2 minutes.
15. Add all the dry spices and stir for 2 minutes.
16. Add the vegetable stock and stir to combine for 2 minutes.
17. Add the tomatoes and chilies and stir to combine for 2 minutes.
18. Add the shredded beef, chicken, and reserved bacon, then stir and bring up to a simmer.
19. Simmer for 15 - 18 minutes, covered, occasionally stirring, until the rice is tender.
20. As the casserole is simmering do a tasting for proper seasoning, adding salt, or additional spices as needed.
21. Take off the heat, stir in the lime juice, and sprinkle with the shredded cheese.
22. Cover and allow the residual heat to melt the cheese, about 3 - 4 minutes.
23. PLATE/PRESENT
24. I like to serve this family style by putting out some bowls, spoons, and napkins. Place the casserole on a trivet, and put out sides: diced tomatoes, black olives, sour cream, etc. Then stand back and let your guests have at it. Enjoy.
25. Keep the faith, and keep cooking.